Mount Vernon Seminary - Cupola Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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The Renaissance is a period which marks the beginning of the separation of the new from the old, of the modern from the ancient, of the youth of humanity from its maturity. During the Middle Ages, men were expected to conform to a pattern— a pattern formed hv the feudal system and in the Church- There could be no freedom of government, of manners, or of religion under the strict codes which then prevailed. In the 14th century, however, the sense of freedom and individuality inherent in every man began to make itself felt. The feudal system slowly began to crumble and the more modern forms of govern- ment which took its place began to resist the old order. The adolescence of humanity was a painful and a slow one. Poets and painters, afraid of the new individuality and not earing to express their own feelings, relied hea ily on the art of the ancient Romans and Greeks. Each evolving government struggled both internally and externally to find its rightful place. It was, however, a glorious metamorphosis. Released from their mental, physical, and spiritual bonds, men were coining to be regarded less as members of political, social, and religious orders, and more as individuals with marked differences in character and opportunity. There was a surge of curiosity and of enthusiastic, tireless experi- ment. New worlds, social, physical, and imagina- tive, were explored and opened. There was a magnificent artistic and literan flowering and a new interest in the arts. It was the beginning of the modern epoch which is not a perfect era, by any means, but one thankful for the rich heritage and valuable experience it has received from its Renaissance forebearers. Our years at Mount Vernon Seminary parallel those of the Renaissance. When we come to Mount Vernon as freshmen, we are still living the cloistered lives of children. Gradually, and often painfully, during these four years, we make the transition from the world of childhood to that of maturity. As our physical selves change, our entire w ay of thinking becomes altered. We rebel against many cherished customs and act one moment confusingly like small children and the next like reasonable adults. We are learning to think with creativity and with individualism and to explore the new worlds- opened to us. In this transition period, our minds are easily molded. It is important, therefore, during these years to have a guide such as Mount Vernon. We are fortunate indeed to belong to a school so steeped in tradition yet so vigorously modern. At gradua- tion we are at the brink of a new world, fortified with the training of our parents, with the vast energy of youth, and with the tradition and teach- ing of our school. This is the time to blend our childhood training with the ideas and knowledge gained at Mount Vernon into the foundation of a successful and happy adulthood. 3

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TABLE OF CONTENTS THEME 3 DEDICATION 7 4 OUR ADVISORS 4 MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMISTRESS 5 CALENDAR 6 FACULTY 7 STUDENT GOVERNMENT II Studont Council 12 House Council 13 Honor Code 14 Message from the Student Rods I ’resident I f CURRICULUM 15 SENIORS 19 ALMA MATER 46 UNDERCLASSMEN 47 Juniors 48 Sophomores 52 Freshmen .55 ACTIVITIES 57 Optima 58 Chapel Guild 59 Cellophane 60 Carousel 61 Cupola 62 Prep Players 63 Glee Club 64 Social League 65 Lend-A-Hapd 66 1 Jbrary Council 67 ATHLETICS 69 Athletic Association 70 Cheerleaders 71 I Jockey 72 Basketball 73 Tennis 73 Baseball 74 VDVEHT1SEMEXTS 75 Directory 76-80 o

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DEDICATION Mount ernon Seminar) is a very lively boarding school and it would seem impossible to find a quiet haven in this veritable beehive. Yet tucked awax in Somers is a small, tranquil office which accurateh reflects the person whose domain it is. In the comforting atmosphere of this graceful room, troubles can he seen dearly in their true perspective and be solved with a minimum of fuss. Not just a retreat in time of stress, the room is more often a place where gaiety abounds under the- sunny influence of its keeper. For here all permissions and vacations are planned and an infinite variety of conversation is heard, from news of the latest beau to deep philosophical ideas. This is the dominion of a true lady, a very rare person, who combats the confusion and anxiety of this age with a gracious manner and warm sense of humor. Me dedicate the I960 Cupola to Mrs. MacDoogalk the strong authorih and gentle influ- ence hi the lives of all the boarders. Mas, C vi hi ium; O. Mat Dove: all ADVISORS Mas. F. O. Griffith Miss Patricia Fulton Miss Muriel Seel ye Just as the pace-setters of the Renaissance were tiie ttuides of their followers during those formative years, so, too, have the advisors of the class of 1960 guided us in our preparatory school years. They have at all times stood loyally b while the class learned to cope with its own problems and opportunities, and have readily given help when it was needed. Our First Form advisor was Mrs. Griffith, herself a new teacher. Miss Fulton joined us when we were sophomores, and for the past two years we have had Miss Seelye. Me are grateful to all our advisors for their cooperation and support throughout the important years we have spent at Mount Vernon. 4